Ireland wins World’s Best Steak 2025
Ireland has been named home of the World’s Best Steak at the 2025 World Steak Challenge, held in London on Monday, November 11.
The winning entry – a grass-fed Angus sirloin produced by Dawn Meats and sold by Lidl Ireland – triumphed over hundreds of global competitors in what is widely regarded as the ultimate test of steak quality.
Alongside the world title, Ireland achieved a record 68 medals across gold, silver and bronze categories, including 24 golds, making it the top-performing country overall. Judges praised Ireland’s grass-fed beef for its exceptional flavour, tenderness and sustainability credentials.
Award-winning sirloin from Waterford
The winning sirloin, sourced from cattle bred in Waterford, was commended for its “tenderness similar to tenderloin but with a wonderful ribeye-like flavour”.
Judges said it “offers the best in terms of texture and flavour,” highlighting the depth of Ireland’s pasture-based beef production.
Dawn Meats collected 11 gold medals in total, with commercial manager Neil Lanigan describing the global win as a reflection of the teamwork behind Irish beef.
He said: “To win Europe’s Best Steak and then go on to take the title of World’s Best Steak is unbelievable. This award goes out to our farmers and producers.
“It’s an independent endorsement of our beef quality and a huge win for everyone in Irish beef.”
Lidl and Bord Bia celebrate global recognition
Robert Ryan, chief executive officer of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Together with our valued Irish supplier, Dawn Meats, we’re immensely proud our own-brand Irish grass-fed steak has been recognised as the World’s Best Steak. This recognition underscores our strong commitment to providing world-class Irish produce at the best value.”
Mark Zieg, Bord Bia’s beef sector manager, said the win cemented Ireland’s global standing. “After three years of record medal
“Grass-fed beef from Ireland, produced under the Origin Green programme, continues to set the global standard for quality and sustainable production.”
Record success for Irish producers
The awards ceremony took place at Smith & Wollensky London, where ABP Food Group, Ashbourne Meats, Liffey Meats and Redmond Farm were also among the standout finalists. Irish ribeye proved the most successful category with 12 gold medals, followed by sirloin with eight and fillet with four.
Ireland’s continued success follows a decade of growing international recognition for its grass-fed beef sector.
The country’s mild climate and long grazing season produce naturally marbled beef prized by chefs for its depth of flavour and consistent quality.
Previous years have also seen Irish producers claim multiple category titles, positioning Ireland as a consistent frontrunner on the global stage.
The World Steak Challenge, now in its 11th year, is considered the industry’s definitive benchmark for beef quality, attracting entries from leading producers across Europe, Australia, South America and Japan.
Steaks are first judged raw for marbling, colour and consistency before being cooked to exacting specifications by a panel of chefs, butchers and meat scientists.
The event aims to showcase and celebrate the very best in steak production and traceability worldwide. This year, more than 60 international judges assessed 304 medal-winning entries on appearance, marbling, texture, aroma and flavour across both raw and cooked stages.
For chefs, the result reinforces the premium reputation of Irish beef on restaurant menus worldwide. From Michelin-starred dining rooms to premium retail counters, Irish grass-fed beef remains a go-to choice for flavour, provenance and traceability - attributes increasingly valued by both chefs and consumers.
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Ireland wins World’s Best Steak 2025
